ASMR Meaning - The Relaxation Method You Never Knew You Needed

ASMR: Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response

If you have trouble relaxing or sleeping, you’re not alone. In the hustle that is modern life, it can be difficult to find a moment of peace. That’s why millions of people worldwide turn to ASMR, which stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, to solve this problem. You may have seen ASMR videos on your YouTube feed and never thought much of them, but ASMR can unlock your ability to relax, unwind and detach through auditory stimulation.

ASMR is a term used to describe a combination of a tingling sensation on the skin and a feeling of mild euphoria that is stimulated by certain auditory and visual stimuli, known as triggers. These triggers vary between people, but the most common triggers include the sights and sounds of whispering, tapping, hair brushing, chewing, and personal attention that may involve being touched or spoken to. When active, these triggers can cause a tingling sensation that often begins in the head and works its way downwards, following the spine toward the shoulders, limbs, and lower back. These sensations are associated with an overall feeling of being relaxed, sleepy, and content.

You may feel overwhelmed by the demands of your life, but ASMR may be able to help you ease your stresses. The audio-neural stimulation that it provides has led to many experts recommending ASMR as a treatment for some forms of insomnia.

From YouTube to an ever-growing series of playlists on Spotify and SoundCloud, many people fall asleep every night to ASMR, a practice that greatly improves their quality of life, allowing them to feel relaxed and drift off when they would otherwise be tossing and turning all night. Even if you don’t experience insomnia, sitting down after work or school and engaging in ASMR can be a great way to unwind and improve your anxiety and stress levels.

Some consider Bob Ross to be the OG of ASMR. Check out these clips:

ASMR can benefit almost anyone, and thankfully, it is easily accessible and usually free. Most people enjoy ASMR by watching YouTube videos. There are countless high-quality ASMR videos on YouTube that feature a variety of triggers and creative concepts. Most ASMR creators sit in front of a camera and create stimuli pertaining to certain triggers, putting you in the place of the camera, making you, the viewer, feel like you are receiving personal attention. Some ASMR videos feature creators role-playing certain scenarios for a more entertaining and engaging experience.

A less common but growing method of experiencing ASMR includes visiting an ASMR spa or clinic, which can be a more intense and personal experience for many and involves paying for someone to provide ASMR triggers in-person. Alternatively, you can ask a close friend or your partner to perform some ASMR triggers on you, such as playing with your hair or whispering to you. If you are unsure about what triggers you may enjoy, you can search for ASMR trigger assortment videos that feature a variety of triggers to help you find the perfect tingle-inducing sensations.

If you need a good night’s rest or some moments to unwind, you may benefit from ASMR. It has changed the lives of many, and it could be the solution to your stress or insomnia that you never knew you needed. There are a variety of free and convenient ways to enjoy ASMR, so there’s nothing stopping you from giving it a try and enjoying some relaxing tingles. And if you’re looking to create the perfect ASMR environment, check out ZEEQ Tunes, with integrated speakers and a comfy build, it’s the ultimate way to listen to ASMR.